Three key New York officials reacted with surprise on Thursday when questioned about a House Judiciary Committee report. The report alleged that local prosecutors downgraded charges against noncitizens intentionally to protect them from deportation.
During a Manhattan press conference, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez were asked about claims that city prosecutors reduced charges to help noncitizens avoid deportation-triggering convictions.
A reporter inquired, “Did any of you order prosecutors to downgrade gun charges to keep illegal immigrants in the U.S., per the Judiciary Committee report?” The New York Post reported that Katz responded with a shrug, seemingly surprised. A speaker then redirected the audience, requesting other questions related to the topic.
A spokesperson from Katz’s office stated emphatically to Fox News Digital, “We charge any defendant with an illegal firearm with the highest possible charge under the law.” The congressionally released 22-page document outlined alleged practices among New York City prosecutors.
The report highlighted Katz’s office employing an “Immigration Specialist” to negotiate “immigration-safe” plea deals. It also claimed that prosecutors reduced past convictions.
The document further cited a 2022 memorandum from Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, instructing dispositions that avoid deportation for misdemeanors and non-carceral felonies. The Bronx DA, Darcel Clark, reportedly trains prosecutors in “Immigration-Conscious Plea Bargaining.” This involves offering non-deportable offenses and avoiding aggravated felony charges.
Prosecutors allegedly instructed to leave out critical details from conviction records. Omissions included gun involvement, domestic relationships, and minor victim ages to prevent federal immigration actions.
Post-conference, Katz’s spokesperson reinforced the stance to the Post, denying leniency in weapons cases. They reiterated, “We charge any defendant with an illegal firearm with the highest possible charge under the law.”
Fox News Digital contacted other district attorneys’ offices in New York City for further comments.
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